Maddie James
In Colonial America, candles were a necessity as they provided the only source of illumination in homes. The process of making candles was called chandlery, and it was a specialised trade. Colonial candle makers, or chandlers, would have repeatedly dipped wicks made from cotton or linen into heated tallow or wax. This messy process would have required protective clothing to prevent stains and burns. While there is no specific information on the clothing of candle makers, we can assume that they wore protective attire similar to other tradespeople in Colonial America, such as blacksmiths or milliners, who wore aprons and cloaks.
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What You'll Learn
Clothing materials and fabrics
While there is no specific information on what colonial candle makers wore, we can assume that their clothing was made from the fabrics and materials that were available at the time.
The types of materials and fabrics used for clothing in Colonial America varied depending on the region and the social status of the wearer. In general, the colonists used a variety of natural fibres, including cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
Cotton was a widely available material, used for both clothing and household items such as bed sheets and tablecloths. Linen, made from flax, was also a common fabric, particularly for summer clothing and undergarments, as it was lightweight and breathable. Wool, on the other hand, was used for winter clothing, such as coats, cloaks, and stockings, to provide warmth.
Silk was a luxury fabric, imported from Asia and used primarily by the wealthy colonists. It was often used for formal wear and special occasions, such as balls and dinners. Silk was also used for accessories, such as scarves, gloves, and hats.
Leather was another important material, used for shoes, belts, and other accessories. The leather was often tanned and treated to create a durable and water-resistant material.
The colonists also made use of animal furs, particularly in the colder regions. Fur was used for coats, hats, and trim, providing additional warmth and protection from the elements.
In terms of dyes and colours, the colonists used natural sources, such as plants and insects. Indigo was a common source of blue dye, while madder was used to create red and pink hues. Yellow could be derived from plants such as onion skins and safflower, while cochineal insects produced a vibrant purple shade.
The clothing made from these materials would have been constructed by tailors, who would make custom clothing for both men and women. The tailors themselves would not sell cloth or ready-made clothing, so customers would bring their own cloth to be made into clothing. Milliners, on the other hand, would sell cloth and thread, as well as making clothing accessories such as hats, shirts, aprons, hoods, cloaks, and shifts.
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Clothing styles and trends
Colonial candle makers, or chandlers, played an important role in illuminating homes in Colonial America, where candles were a necessity due to the lack of electricity. While there is no specific information on the clothing styles of candle makers, we can gain insights into the overall fashion trends and attire of the time.
Fabrics and Materials:
The type of fabric and materials available varied, and people often sourced their materials from local cloth merchants or milliners. Common fabrics included cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Linen, in particular, was widely used for its breathability and comfort in the warmer months. Wool, on the other hand, was favoured for its warmth during the colder seasons. Silk was considered a luxury fabric and was often used for more elegant or formal attire.
Clothing Styles for Men:
During Colonial times, men's fashion included coats, breeches, shirts, waistcoats, and stockings. Breeches, a type of knee-length trouser, were commonly worn by men of all social classes. Waistcoats, often made of finer fabrics like silk or brocade, were also popular. Men's coats tended to be cut longer, typically ending just above the knee, and were usually single-breasted with wide lapels. Shirts were often made of linen, with wide sleeves and a simple collar. Stockings, typically made of wool or cotton, were also a standard part of men's attire.
Clothing Styles for Women:
Women's fashion in the Colonial period featured gowns, petticoats, aprons, and caps. Gowns were typically made with a fitted bodice and full skirts, often featuring a V-shaped neckline. Petticoats, worn under gowns, were usually made of linen or wool and served as a practical undergarment. Aprons were also a common accessory, providing a functional yet decorative element to a woman's outfit. Caps or bonnets were worn to cover the hair, often made of white cotton or linen.
Accessories:
Accessories played a significant role in completing the Colonial wardrobe. Both men and women wore gloves, typically made of soft leather or fabric. Hats were also a popular accessory, with styles varying based on social class and occasion. Men of wealth and stature often wore large powdered wigs, which were considered a symbol of status. Shoes were typically made of leather and featured buckles or laces.
Workwear:
In terms of workwear for candle makers, practicality and functionality were likely key considerations. Aprons or smocks might have been worn to protect their clothing from wax spills and stains. Leather or canvas aprons could have been used to safeguard against hot wax splatters. Additionally, candle makers might have worn gloves to protect their hands from the hot wax during the candle-making process.
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Clothing sellers and stores
In Colonial America, clothing was typically sold by milliners and tailors. Millinery was one of the few trades that could be owned and operated by a woman. Milliners sold items for sewing, such as cloth and thread, and they also made clothing accessories, including hats, shirts, aprons, hoods, cloaks, and shifts. Tailors, on the other hand, were usually men, and they made custom clothing for both men and women. While they crafted clothing for women, they primarily served men, making coats and breeches. Tailors generally did not carry or sell cloth or ready-made clothing; instead, customers would bring their own fabric for the tailor to work with.
In larger towns, there might be multiple clothing stores and specialised sellers. For example, a cobbler was a specialised shoemaker who made and repaired shoes. Some cobblers might focus on making only men's or women's shoes.
Wigmakers were also important in Colonial America, as wigs were a significant fashion statement. Wealthy men of stature wore large powdered wigs, crafted from human or animal hair.
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Clothing accessories
In Colonial America, milliners were merchants who owned clothing stores. They sold items for sewing, such as cloth and thread, and made clothing accessories like hats, shirts, aprons, hoods, cloaks, and shifts. Millinery was one of the few trades that could be owned and operated by a woman.
Tailors, on the other hand, were usually men. They made custom clothing for both men and women, but they made most of their money by making coats and breeches for men. Unlike milliners, tailors did not typically sell cloth or ready-made clothing. Their customers would buy the cloth themselves and bring it to the tailor to be made into clothing.
Wigmakers were also important during this time, as wigs were a significant fashion statement. Wealthy men of stature wore large powdered wigs, which were made from human and animal hair.
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Clothing for specialisation
Colonial candle-makers, or chandlers, played an important role in illuminating homes in Colonial America, where electricity was non-existent. To make candles, chandlers crafted wicks from thin pieces of cotton or linen, which were then repeatedly dipped into heated tallow or wax. This process continued until the desired candle size was achieved.
While there is no specific information on the attire of colonial candle-makers, we can infer that their clothing was practical and protective, given the nature of their work. Here are some aspects of their clothing that may have been specialised for their trade:
Protective Aprons or Smocks
Given the nature of working with hot wax and animal fats, it is likely that candle-makers wore protective aprons or smocks to shield their clothing from splatters and stains. These aprons could be made of durable, heat-resistant material like leather or heavy canvas, which could withstand the high temperatures of the molten wax.
Long Sleeves and Gloves
To protect their arms and hands from hot wax, chandlers might have worn long sleeves and gloves. Gloves made of leather or thick cloth could provide insulation against the heat, while also offering some protection against cuts and scratches from the thin pieces of cotton or linen used in wick-making.
Headgear
To keep their hair tucked away and prevent it from interfering with their work, candle-makers might have worn headgear such as caps or scarves. This was especially important when working with hot wax to avoid any accidental hair-related accidents.
Breathable and Absorbent Fabrics
The process of candle-making could be physically demanding, involving repetitive dipping and handling of hot materials. To stay comfortable, chandlers might have favoured clothing made from breathable and absorbent fabrics like cotton or linen. These fabrics would help wick away sweat and keep the candle-maker cool during the laborious candle-dipping process.
Sturdy Footwear
Working with hot wax and animal fats could result in spills and create slippery work conditions. Colonial candle-makers likely wore sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction to protect their feet and provide stability while working.
In summary, while we may not have specific records of colonial candle-maker attire, we can assume that their clothing was practical, protective, and well-suited to the unique demands of their trade. These specialised clothing choices helped colonial candle-makers work safely and effectively, contributing to the essential illumination of homes in Colonial America.
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